Chelsea set to complete £35m transfer after pressure from Antonio Conte

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after Antonio Conte put pressure on the club’s board to sign the Arsenal midfielder before the deadline, according to reports.

The Premier League champions have had a £35 million offer for the 24-year-old accepted by Arsenal and are now in talks over personal terms with the player.

Chelsea are trying to complete the deal as quickly as possible given Liverpool’s desire to also sign the midfielder before the transfer window closes on Thursday.

But The Daily Telegraph reports that Conte has personally urged Chelsea’s hierarchy to push ahead with a deal for Oxlade-Chamberlain as he is convinced of the player’s ability.

The England international would be available on a free transfer next summer as his current contract with Arsenal has less than a year remaining. But Chelsea are keen to bolster their midfield option before the transfer deadline.

The Premier League champions have also submitted a £25m bid for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, whose contract also expires next summer.

Conte is also keen to sign Danny Drinkwater from Leicester City, while Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente is on the Italian’s radar.

More Breaking News:

Charly Musonda pulls out of Belgium U21 squad.

Charly Musonda has tonight informed Belgian Football that he won`t be available for the upcoming under 21 game against Turkey. Belgian media vehicle Sporza state that Belgian Football`s twitter feed has made an announcement claiming Musonda has let them know he won`t be joining up with the current squad. In turn they say that they are in contact with Chelsea. No reason has been given, but Musonda was a substitute in Chelsea’s weekend game.

With the transfer window closing in just over two days, Musonda could be on his way, be it a loan or an actual transfer. The coming 48 hours will tell.

Sad as it will be to see Musonda go, maybe it`s an indication that an incoming signing has also been agreed. Watch this space.